SARS-CoV-2 Neutralizing Antibodies in Mexican Population: A Five Vaccine Comparison

Diagnostics (Basel). 2023 Mar 22;13(6):1194. doi: 10.3390/diagnostics13061194.

Abstract

Neutralizing antibodies (NAs) are key immunological markers and are part of the humoral response of the adaptive immune system. NA assays determine the presence of functional antibodies to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection. We performed a real-world evidence study to detect NAs that confer protection against SARS-CoV-2 after the application of five vaccines (Pfizer/BioNTech, AstraZeneca, Sinovac, Moderna, and CanSino) in the Mexican population. Side effects of COVID-19 vaccines and clinical and demographic factors associated with low immunogenicity were also evaluated. A total of 242 SARS-CoV-2-vaccinated subjects were recruited. Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna proved the highest percentage of inhibition in a mono-vaccine scheme. Muscular pain, headache, and fatigue were the most common adverse events. None of the patients reported severe adverse events. We found an estimated contagion-free time of 207 (IQR: 182-231) and 187 (IQR: 184-189) days for Pfizer/BioNTech and CanSino in 12 cases in each group. On the basis of our results, we consider that the emerging vaccination strategy in Mexico is effective and safe.

Keywords: COVID-19; COVID-19 vaccines; ELISA; SARS-CoV-2; neutralizing antibodies; vaccination.

Grants and funding

The project was financed with the support of the Oncology department’s resources, and the grant from the Program for Professional Teacher Development (PRODEP, its acronym in Spanish) Project number: UANL-PTC-1066.